Random Thoughts for Random People

You may have noticed that I have not been posting very often. The reason is simple. You see, tomorrow at 8:30 I will be doing something I have not done in almost exactly 19 months. I will go to work. This concludes what has been among the darkest days of my life (which kinda explains the lack of postings). The financial problems associated with unemployment are one thing. They were exacerbated by the fact that we found a treatment for Dante’s autism based on stroke treatments that have been really effective. Unfortunately they are only done by one doctor in the U.S. and not only is he out of network, but he was in New York (Long Island to be precise). Between hotel costs and the treatment costs themselves we have run up quite a bill. Now we have a plan. We should be able to recoup our debt in a couple of years. That means, among other things, our cars will have to last.
But I digress. Every cloud has a silver lining (unless the CFO sold it for a profit). In this case, I got to know my kids better (the dark cloud in this silver lining is that before Dante’s treatments started I realized how severe his autism is which is depressing). My wife and I were actually able to reconnect. I was diagnosed with a hormone deficiency and I am now getting treatment that should help a whole lot of my medical issues. Hopefully now that I have a sunnier disposition, I will be posting more frequently. But for now, I will simply accept that I get to positively contribute to my family and to society generally.

About

Dante – a three year old autistic boy. Sometimes referred to as “Mini Matt”

Melody – an 18 month old with speech delays (but not autistic)

I have a beautiful wife who is my college sweetheart.

I have been living in the wonderful city of Charlotte, NC for the past three years…and I am quite happy with the area.

My occupation is as a Software Test Engineer. Since most people don’t know what that is, I can tell you that, essentially, I break software for a living. More specifically, I search for defects in software for a living. For the most part I enjoy my job, but I am constantly wondering if I wouldn’t be happier doing something else.

My favorite author is, without doubt, Isaac Asimov. However, I don’t read that much. I am a member of the Nintendo generation and enjoy watching TV and playing video games much more enjoyable than reading.

I graduated from James Madison University in 1998 and Waynesboro High School/CSVRGS (Central Shenandoah Valley Regional Governor’s School) in 1994.

I have recently taken up knitting, which is calming, but also pretty dull. I am currently working on a JMU/WHS scarf to wear to football games. Both school’s colors are Purple and Gold (convenient, no?).

I pride myself on my own quirky sense of humor and intelligence and curse my laziness. All perfectly normal I’m sure.

My favorite music is Country, Soft Rock and Oldies (and that is pretty much it). My favorite date with my wife is to go to the movies. Though we also go bowling and to putt-putt.

My favorite foods are Pizza and Buffalo Wings (when I can find good ones).